Bialetti 6800 Moka Express 6-Cup Stovetop Espresso Maker
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List Price: Our Price: $23.95 You Save: $6.04 (20%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $19.99 (click here) Category: Kitchen See more product details |
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Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of Bialetti 6800 Moka Express 6-Cup Stovetop Espresso Maker
Customer Review: I'm in love.
Summary: 5 Stars
If it's possible to be in love with an inanimate object, it's happened to me with my Moka stovetop espresso maker. I know that it's not -technically- espresso since it doesn't have sufficient bars of pressure, but I find those true espresso machines bulky, loud, expensive, and just plain excessive. To me, a big espresso machine on the counter is a status symbol from the 1990s, not a practical device.
The Moka pot is just what I need. I make a full pot (about 8 ounces) from Starbucks espresso roast or Illy Moka roast, and while it heats, I mix 2 tablespoons of Starbucks mocha powder, 2 tablespoons of hot water, 2 tablespoons of Starbucks peppermint syrup, and half a tablespoon of Hershey's chocolate syrup in a small bowl. That goes in the bottom of my 20-ounce thermos. When it's ready, the espresso goes on top, followed by enough steamed non-fat milk to reach the top of the thermos. Close, shake, and you have a Starbucks Peppermint Mocha (non-fat, no whip).
Delicious, and I'm saving 4 bucks a day on Starbucks.
Customer Review: The best -- straight from Italy!
Summary: 5 Stars
About 12 years ago I was in Milan, and a friend gave me one of these to take home. I have used it nearly every day since (I don't take it out of town), so that should give you an idea of how sturdy it is. It is the best coffee maker I have ever owned. To compare, I also have a high-tech espresso machine with frother; a state-of-the-art automatic drip coffeemaker; a French Press; and a different style of stovetop maker, which, surprisingly, makes a different brew. But I ALWAYS go back to my Bialetti Moka 6-cup for the best espresso and lattes. You even will get a crema effect with this simple pot. For lattes, I simply fill half a coffee mug with milk, heat it in the microwave until it's hot, and then top it off with espresso. It's low-maintenance -- every once in a while I replace the internal rubber gasket, which costs a buck or so, depending upon where you buy it. If you like your coffee like the Italians and the Cubans, then you will like the brew this serves. I am loyal to this simple little pot, and hope you enjoy it as much as I do.Customer Review: Best coffee EVER!
Summary: 5 Stars
After searching for a good espresso machine for months I was finally willing to spend up to $500. I told a coworker about this and he brought me into his office for a cup of espresso out of his bialetti moka. I chuckled but said "OK" I'll try anything. After that cup of coffee, I threw out everything I knew about good coffee. I was amazed how this little device could make such a perfect espresso. The very next day I bought one from amazon and haven't had any other coffee since it was delivered. Our $100 Mr. Coffee is just collecting dust.
The only con to this device is that it doesn't come with real instructions. I just found out a couple weeks ago that you aren't supposed to boil the water.... Also, don't get an espresso grind, get a grind of coffee larger than espresso but smaller than a drip grind. Otherwise, this thing is flawless!
My coworker told me that every family in Italy has one of these and use it religiously. I understand why and you will too after having a cup from this little wonder.
Customer Review: Great Coffee
Summary: 5 Stars
The Moka Express makes great tasting coffee quickly and easily. I was very pleased with how easy it is to load, use, and clean. I have no complaints and the money I have saved by making my own coffee in the past month has easily covered the cost of the Moka Express.
I have only one regret, I wish I had purchased a larger version. The 6-cup version does not produce 6 cups of coffee. I have the 6-cup version which is usually enough for me, but if you have friends over I doubt it will be enough. Although it only takes ~12 minutes to make the coffee, it also takes time for the machine to cool down before you can refill it and make more. However, I assume larger versions will take longer to produce coffee as you must always make a full batch (you can't use just 25% water & 25% ground coffee, you must always use 100% of both). If you are purchasing this for just one person, the 6-cup should be plenty.
In conclusion, this machine is great, but make sure you purchase the right-sized one for your needs.
Customer Review: What a great find!
Summary: 5 Stars
Im going to be very straight to the point and straight forward with this review. I had been looking for an espresso make for a while and had been searching for the pump or steam driven espresso makers till my friend introduced me to this marvel that has been around Italian homes for years. This stove top espresso maker just uses a regular stove to make some great espresso in a few minutes. Just fill the bottom half with water upto the marked line, fill ground espresso (i use starshmucks coffe, any will do) and screw the bottom half to the top and just leave it on the stove till the water boils. It forces the boiled water through the espresso and into the top half and voila! you have some great espresso!
Some people might be turned off by the fact there is little to no "crema" on the espresso. Atleast, i havent been able to achieve that yet. But all in all, this is a great espresso maker for the price you pay for it. Durable construction, easy operation, small investment and easy to clean.